Asking about your future job plans and career aspirations is a standard aspect of most job interviews. The hiring manager is trying to find out how long you plan to stay with the company, how serious you are about your career path and whether you will ultimately be a good fit for the organization.

Focus on the Present

If you aren't sure what your long-term career goals are, or if you plan to use the job you're interviewing for as a stepping stone, focus your responses on the present and the near future. For example, say, “Right now I'm very enthusiastic about getting a foothold in the finance industry. I think it’s an exciting profession with a lot of promise and opportunities for advancement, and I'm excited to go where it takes me.” This approach is positive, yet noncommittal.

Be Honest

Be forthright, but don't share so many details that you lose the job opportunity. Even if you're only looking for a temporary gig, you never know what the future holds, and you might end up enjoying the position and staying long-term. For example, say, “Right now, I'm committed to learning the ropes of the finance industry, and I hope to have a long and illustrious career in this business.” This positions you as ambitious, but not gunning for the interviewer’s job.

Be Ambitious

If your ultimate goal is to move into a management position, it's fine to share your ambitious goal with the hiring manager, as long as you don't look like you're trying to quickly work your way through the ranks without paying your dues. For example, say, “Ultimately, I'd like to gain enough experience to earn a management role, and I'm excited about all the learning opportunities and chances for professional development this company has to offer.”

Be Reassuring

Ultimately, the hiring manager wants to make sure he won't hire you, train you and bring you up to speed only to have you take the experience to another employer in short order. Regardless of your long-term employment plans, reassure the hiring manager that if you get the job, you won’t be going anywhere soon. Address his concerns with a statement like, “I understand you're concerned about having somebody in this position who is dedicated to being an active, present, contributing member of your team. I'd like to reassure you that it is my intention to give you 100 percent commitment to this job.”

Focus on the Company

However you respond to this question, use it as an opportunity to reemphasize your dependability and your enthusiasm for the job. For example, say, “My main objective right now is to gain an entry-level position with a well-respected company like yours. I'd like to be part of a professional team and use my experience and talents to help grow the organization.”